Step into the wildly creative, deeply personal world of Charm Patterns with founder Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch as she stitches together vintage glamour, pop culture obsessions, body positivity, and unapologetic queerness. From behind-the-scenes design inspo like “Slutty Italian Summer” to candid conversations on beauty, Broadway, and the messiness of creative life, this podcast is part sewing salon, part slumber party, and always ridiculously fun.
…
continue reading
Charm Patterns Podcasts
Narcissist Apocalypse is a Purple Ribbon Award-winning storytelling podcast that amplifies the voices of those who have experienced narcissistic abuse, coercive control, emotional abuse, domestic violence, family relationship abuse, and relationship trauma. Our guests share their stories of abuse survival, providing a source of validation, education, inspiration, and hope for those going through similar experiences. Join us and discover how you, too, can overcome the narcissist apocalypse. R ...
…
continue reading
1
Vox & The Charming Con Man | Domestic Violence & Narcissistic Abuse
1:50:12
1:50:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:50:12
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Vox about her journey through an abusive relationship with a manipulative conman. Vox believed she had found true love, but soon uncovered deception, financial manipulation, multiple secret lives, and escalating abuse. Despite her efforts to escape, her abuser's smooth tactics kept her tr…
…
continue reading
1
Words of Wisdom From Domestic Abuse Survivors | Volume 1
17:55
17:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:55
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, we hear the advice and words of wisdom from past guests about their experiences of domestic violence, coercive control, and narcissistic abuse. In this volume, you'll hear from LANA, HAZEL, DAKOTA, AGATHA, EMMA JEAN, LADY C, TERRA, SATURDAY, PARIS, KAMI, MERLE, PAM, VALENTINE AND VIDA. Search for those name…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Surviving The Holidays With Narcissistic Abusers | Q&A With Jean
41:41
41:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:41
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, we unravel the intricate web of emotional turmoil that accompanies this festive season, especially for those trying to co-parent with a controlling partner or ex-partner. Together with Jean, we traverse the challenging path of the holidays with abusive partners and family members. Additionally, we put a spo…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Divine & The Self Medicating Rage Filled Narcissist | Domestic Violence
1:46:41
1:46:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:46:41
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Divine recounts the story of her abusive her ex. Divine describes her ex's insecurities and jealousy that led to violent outbursts and attempts to control her. Divine's story highlights the cycle of abuse, the impact on her mental and physical health, and the challenges of leaving for good. It's a story of …
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Alma & The Future Faking Conman
2:06:06
2:06:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:06:06
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Alma about her toxic relationship with a future faking conman. It's a story of grand gestures, elaborate scenes, victim playing, constant little lies, belief systems, coping versus doing the work, serial narcissist dating, Osama Bin Laden, testing boundaries, overwhelming love bombs, guil…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Vida & The Psychological Abuser | Domestic Violence & Narcissistic Abuse
1:56:06
1:56:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:56:06
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Vida shares the story about her traumatic upbringing and subsequent relationship with a narcissistic abuser. Vida describes her father's mental illness and involvement in a patriarchal religious cult, which fostered a culture of control and abuse. She details her escape at 16, emancipation, and subsequent l…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Henrietta & The Cult of Family
1:28:49
1:28:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:28:49
In this episode of Brandon talks with Henrietta about her manipulative narcissistic mother. Imagine having cancer as a young child and having the Make A Wish Foundation grant your dream of seeing the Backstreet Boys, only for your mother to convince you to take a trip to Vietnam instead because that's what she wanted to do. Well, that's Henrietta's…
…
continue reading
1
Sally & The Jealous Physical Abuser | Domestic Violence & Narcissistic Abuse
59:34
59:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:34
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Sally shares her journey from a stable childhood to an abusive marriage. Sally met her abuser in college and, at first, their relationship seemed normal. However, about six months into their marriage, abuse began to surface, driven by his jealousy and insecurities. As the jealousy intensified, the situation…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: How an Abusive Narcissist Shapes Behavior & Conditions People For Long Term Abuse
1:57:32
1:57:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:57:32
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon talks with Erika Guest (Behavioral Therapist) about the behavior shaping techniques used by abusive narcissists to condition their victims for long-term abuse. Using clips from the survivor series episodes, Erika and Brandon break down the techniques and how to recognize when the abusive narciss…
…
continue reading
1
Maria & The Mirroring Emotional Abuser | Domestic Violence & Narcissistic Abuse
1:13:35
1:13:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:35
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Maria reveals how her toxic marriage to a boundary-violating emotional abuser unfolded. The main point: Maria thought she found love, but was mirrored and manipulated, leading to relentless boundary violations and a powerful trauma bond she struggled to break while enduring cycles of abuse. It's a story of …
…
continue reading
1
Charm Loves Halloween! Costumes Galore (and more!)
1:05:20
1:05:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:20
In this Season One bonus episode, Gertie and Andrea chat all about Charm's annual Halloween Extravaganza. It's our first video episode, so check out the video here! Links & Images Charm Patterns mentioned include: The I Married a Witch Veronica Lake dress The Lorelei Gown The Dolly Bell Bottoms The Vampira Gown The Morticia Gown (using scuba knit) …
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Top 12 Hoovering Tactics of an Abuser - Q&A With Alisa Stamps LCSW
47:22
47:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:22
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon talks with Alisa Stamps (LCSW) about the Top 12 Hoovering Tactics of a Toxic Narcissist & Narcissistic Abuse. Plus they discuss, threats, self harm, love bombing, future faking, faith based abuse, and much more. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please …
…
continue reading
1
Valentine & The Controlling Religious Abuser | Domestic Violence & Narcissist Abuse
1:00:29
1:00:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:29
In this gripping episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Valentine bravely recounts her experience of being married to a controlling religious abuser. Valentine met her husband at church and was initially attracted by his spirituality. However, Valentine eventually found out that he was only spiritual when it was convenient for him. Religion was a device…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Romana & The Coercive Controlling Mother | Narcissist Apocalypse & Domestic Violence
1:28:18
1:28:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:28:18
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Romana discusses the emotional and physical abuse she endured at the hands of her mother, the dissociation it created, and how everything effected her future abusive relationships. Of the many abusive relationships Romana endured, the most abusive one was with her first ex-husband, who became her lifelong s…
…
continue reading
1
Krystal & The Demonizing Mother | Narcissistic Abuse
57:59
57:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:59
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Krystal about being raised by an abusive mother who demonized her very existence. Krystal, barely knowing her father, was unfairly compared to him. Her mother used this as an excuse to take out her own traumas on Krystal. During this time, Krystal was parentified, forced to care for her m…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Tori & The Altruistic Abuser | Domestic Violence & Narcissistic Abuse
1:31:15
1:31:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:31:15
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Tori shares her powerful story of growing up in an unstable home, a cult-like church, and eventually marrying an altruistic abuser. Tori offers valuable insights into recognizing red flags, navigating abusive relationships, and finding the strength to break free. It's a story of food and sleep deprivation, …
…
continue reading
1
Lin & The Terrorizing Abuser | Domestic Violence & Narcissistic Abuse
1:11:22
1:11:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:22
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Lin recounts being married to a terrorizing abuser. Lin met her ex on Yahoo Personals, and he presented himself as a top-secret ex-military veteran who had gone through an immense amount of trauma. With these stories, Lin's ex was able to isolate her, instill fear in her, and control her life. For 17 years,…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Macy & The Aware Disordered Abuser | Narcissist Abuse & Domestic Violence
1:30:32
1:30:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:30:32
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Macy about her toxic relationship with an AWARE partner with mental health issues and abusive behaviors. It's a story of caretaking, jealousy, manipulation, paranoia, not wanting to do the work, gaslighting, projection, narcissistic parents, child abuse, reactive abuse, push/pulls, the si…
…
continue reading
1
LaDonna & The Sexually Abusive Father | Domestic Violence
1:09:56
1:09:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:56
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with LaDonna about her experiences growing up with a father who engaged in sexual abuse. The abuse began when LaDonna was three, continuing through her childhood. Despite moving to different towns and cities, these experiences persisted, and LaDonna was left to navigate complex thoughts, feeli…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Leighton & The Faux Mormon Predator Dad | Narcissist Abuse & Child Abuse
1:26:10
1:26:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:26:10
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Leighton talks about being raised by a predator father. From the moment Leighton was born, her dad used her as either a pawn or a prop for his nefarious needs. Leighton's dad was part grifter, part abuser, part predator, and because of that, Leighton lived her life in constant chaos. Leighton lived a lonely…
…
continue reading
1
Katrina & The Hostile Abusive Mother | Narcissistic Abuse
1:01:38
1:01:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:38
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Katrina about being raised by a hostile abusive mother. Katrina discusses her mother's childhood instability, abandonment, insecurity issues, as well as the abuse she inflicted on her. Katrina recounts her own traumatic experiences, including physical and emotional abuse, and her struggle…
…
continue reading
In this lively episode of Talk Gertie to Me, we dive into the personal stories behind Gertie's tattoos, body image reflections, and tips for setting up the perfect sewing space. Gertie and Andrea discuss the evolution of their body art, the challenges of body changes, and the importance of creating a functional and inspiring sewing room. With a mix…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Kate & The Destabilizing Narcissistic Abuser | Domestic Violence
1:23:31
1:23:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:31
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Kate shares her story of dating a destabilizing narcissistic abuser. Kate met her abuser at a musical jam, and they hit it off instantly. The relationship progressed quickly, with Kate finding herself at her abuser's home five days a week. From there, Kate's abuser hijacked her time, manipulating her into s…
…
continue reading
1
Ella & The Critical Financial Abuser | Domestic Violence & Narcissistic Abuse
1:12:17
1:12:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:17
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon interviews Ella about her struggle to escape a critical financial abuser. The episode centers on how, after an initial period of love bombing, Ella lost her sense of stability as her husband's financial control, accusations, and attacks on her parenting left her constantly on edge. Plus, Ella discus…
…
continue reading
1
Rerelease: Bay & The Abusive Serial Cheater | Domestic Violence & Narcissist Abuse
1:21:43
1:21:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:43
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Bay talks about her abusive relationship with a serial cheater. At the beginning of Bay's 27-year relationship, her husband said and did everything right. However, once they married, subtle signs of abuse slowly appeared. And like the frog in a boiling pot of water, Bay was being cooked alive, and she didn'…
…
continue reading
In this 2-part episode of 'Talk Gertie to Me,' hosts Gretchen (Gertie) and Andrea begin to wrap up Season 1 with a lively reflection on vintage glamor sewing, creative processes, and the joys and struggles of monetizing a beloved hobby. Engaging with listener questions, they dive into the realities of running a pattern-making business, from the fin…
…
continue reading
1
Hope & The Grandiose Entitled Abuser | Domestic Violence & Narcissistic Abuse
1:09:44
1:09:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:44
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Hope shares her story of marrying a grandiose, entitled abuser. Hope met her future husband at a church event, initially impressed by his charisma. Their relationship quickly progressed, leading to a whirlwind engagement and marriage. But once they were married, Hope's husband began to control her in every …
…
continue reading
